Twelve
SurvivalWe left the moment the sky brightened with the first hint of sunlight. We walked out of C.E.C.I.L. with everything we'd brought in and only the box and key hidden in the green pack. There was nothing else worth taking. There was nothing we needed to remind us of the compound. We left hoping to find our family and with the resolve we'd never return.
Rested and strengthened legs carried us through the gate and away from our nightmare. Neither of us turned to look back. Neither of us gave C.E.C.I.L. another thought.
We walked in rhythm as our feet scuffed the dirt and kicked away stones with a purpose. Our shoes drummed a steady beat while bird songs filled the air. Coloured shoelace bows bounced and danced to the music.
We passed the intersection and the path that led bac
